Following a meeting with his economic advisers, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) touted his economic policy plans in a speech in Cleveland on Monday. “To incentivize investments, I have proposed that if you buy stock and hold it for a minimum of a year, your tax on that investment will be cut in half,” he said. He also promised to “make sure that the SEC enacts and enforces rules that keep our markets safe and competitive.”

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As stock market turmoil continued (AP) Wednesday, a panel of financial experts met in Chicago to discuss the implications of the financial crisis for world markets and the future of regulation.

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In an interview with TIME, Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) said opportunities to negotiate with the Taliban should be “explored.”

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“It’s time to heed the call from General McKiernan and others for more troops. That’s why I’d send at least two or three additional combat brigades to Afghanistan. We also need more training for Afghan Security forces, more non-military assistance to help Afghans develop alternatives to poppy farming, more safeguards to prevent corruption, and a new effort to crack down on cross-border terrorism. Only a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes Afghanistan and the fight against al Qaeda will succeed, and that’s the change I’ll bring to the White House.”

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Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) held a summit on jobs (McClatchy). Obama attacked the Bush administration for failing to address the impact of the economic crisis on “Main Street.” Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who spoke at the summit, called for an investment in a “smart” power grid and new alternative energy concepts (WSJ).

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The Wall Street Journal looks at the coal industry’s influence on the presidential campaign.

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Former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) for president on Sunday’s Meet the Press, saying the Democratic candidate represents “a new generation coming onto the world stage.” Powell, who helped justify the invasion of Iraq in 2003, said he anticipates a “continued drawdown” of troops from Iraq regardless of who wins the November election.

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Deutsche Welle‘s Across the Pond blog compiles reactions in the foreign press to Wednesday night’s presidential debate.

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U.S. presidential candidates Sens. Barack Obama (D-IL) and John McCain (R-AZ) held their final pre-election debate last night. The debate was dominated by the economy and domestic issues with the candidates again highlighting differences on trade and energy policy (WashPost).

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